If your a parent or new to violin here is a short “Everything you wanted to ask about violin but were too embarrassed to, or didn’t know to ask” . If you have to buy a violin but don’t know anything about what to look for, and when you get it home what to do with it!
Choosing a violin
Violin Size (and price) Guide – How to work out the size of violin you need at home. How much to spend on a violin – your stage or learning, your age and growth spurts are all important factors to getting maximum violin sound for your budget
Violin String Selection Guide – What strings to buy – strings really make a difference to both your wallet and the sound of your violin. Its important they match your stage of playing, violin and budget.
Violin Setup – Whats in a violin setup and why is it important
Teacher preferred Violin – Teachers often have specific reasons for recommending violin brands – here I decode whats really going on
Buying a violin on facebook or gumtree? Some tips… Can I buy secondhand? Of course you can, while service all my secondhand instruments you can get one yourself on facebook or gumtree. learn about what to look out for.
Playing a violin
I got my violin, but no teacher…what next. I had more than a few people pickup a violin but don’t have a teacher lined up. Here are some things to get you started
Catherines basics of how to hold a violin and bow take you down the rabbit hole of holding a violin and bow…take a deep dive or just the basics with Catherine (local teacher from Eight mile plays)
Julia’s online lessons – yes you can learn online, at a time that suits you. lots of free lessons and a subscription (and one on tuning your violin too)
Local teachers in my area (and maybe yours too) that I know. I also have a selection of business cards at my workshop and can help you pick out a teacher that suits you.
Servicing – A violin is a robust but delicate piece of engineering. To get the best out of it you want to keep it regularly serviced or checked over. Some of this you can do yourself (coming soon)
Violin Coach or Teacher Practice is the secret to getting better…getting the little b*ggers to practice though is a bit of an art form. Here are some practical tips that might help .
